Phalanx Close-In Weapon System

Last Line of Defense for air, land and sea

The Phalanx® weapon system is a rapid-fire, computer-controlled, radar-guided gun that can defeat anti-ship missiles and other close-in threats on land and at sea.

At sea, it is designed to defeat anti-ship missiles and “close-in” threats that have pierced other lines of defense. On land, as part of the U.S. Army’s counter-rocket, artillery and mortar systems, it detects and destroys incoming rounds. It also helps provide early warning of attacks.

A self-contained package, the Phalanx weapon system automatically carries out functions usually performed by multiple systems: search, detection, threat evaluation, tracking, engagement and kill assessment. The Block 1B version of the system adds control stations that allow operators to visually track and identify targets before engagement.

The 1B variant's configuration augments the Phalanx system's proven anti-air warfare capability by adding a forward looking infrared sensor. It allows the system to be used against helicopters and high-speed surface craft at sea while the land-based version helps identify and confirm incoming dangers.

The Phalanx weapon system is installed on all U.S. Navy surface combatant ship classes and on those of 24 allied nations. The land-based version is forward deployed and has been used in combat.